Job description

Job Title: Permanency Worker

General Description:

Employee will serve as an advocate for First American families who are at risk of having their children removed or who have had their children removed as a result of child abuse and/or neglect. The employee will collaborate and engage with individuals, children, and families dealing with issues related to or stemming from mental illness, substance abuse, family and domestic violence, poverty and/or lack of protective capacity. Employee is subject to on-call status during non-business hours. May be required to manage dangerous situations. Supports the mission of the Chickasaw Nation, and; demonstrates core values in all work functions.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Child Welfare Services Permanency Manager.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Supervision Essential Job Functions:

• Must be knowledgeable and able to interpret and articulate the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, Child Welfare Services Policy, Chickasaw Nation Tribal Code and Oklahoma State Statutes.
• Acts as a liaison between the Chickasaw Nation, outside agencies and/or courts to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for Chickasaw children and families.
• Maintains confidentiality as described by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
• Maintains applicable tribal, state and federal requirements.
• Distinguishes and interprets policy and procedure of the Adoptions and Safe Families Act of 1997.
• Attends and participates in any training related to job duties such as child abuse/neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma and the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.
• Participates in a rotating on call schedule during non-business hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Assists the team with taking resource and referral phone calls.
• Provides written reports and/or testimony regarding the progress of families to the appropriate court of jurisdiction.
• Must be willing to flex hours during the week to accommodate families schedules.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity, conveying a non-judgmental attitude while working with a diverse population.
• Applies cultural competence to all aspects of the position.
• Connects children and families to resources and education on sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect.
• Engages children and families in order to collect information to assist with determining needs. Conducts family team meetings in order to help develop individual service plans.
• Conducts monthly home visits to children placed in biological home, foster home, therapeutic foster care homes, group homes, inpatient facilities, youth shelters, etc.
• Prepares person-centered, family assessments with families and makes appropriate referrals to remedial services.
• Provides transportation for families as needed.
• Provides case management services including contact with service providers along with thoroughly documenting case notes.
• Assists and assesses parent and child interactions during supervised visitation and in-home interaction. Facilitates sibling and grandparent visits on at least a monthly basis.
• Prepares monthly reports for submission to the Child Welfare Services Manager and Director. Maintains a database to document incidents of child abuse and neglect and family violence and the disposition of these cases.
• With leadership approval, may engage in public speaking to schools, community organizations, employee groups, etc. to provide standard program information or to serve as a resource on topics approved by the department Secretary
• Employee is responsible for all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Preferred - Must be knowledgeable with the Chickasaw Nation's tribal code, judicial system, and Child Welfare Policy in order to help guide work with families. Preferred - Knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA). Preferred - Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1997 (HIPAA). Preferred - Knowledge of Adoptions and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA). Preferred - Knowledge of the cycles of domestic violence, substance abuse and addiction, mental illness, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. Preferred - Knowledge of courtroom protocol and mannerisms. Preferred - Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Preferred - Skills and ability to implement investigative techniques. Preferred - Skills and ability to provide case management including proper writing and time management skills. Preferred - Skills and ability to assess family’s strengths and needs. Preferred - Ability to operate a computer, laptop, cell phone, fax machine, copier, scanner and various software packages, including Microsoft Office programs. Preferred - Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Preferred - Skills and ability maintain effective working relationships with others and to apply critical thinking skills. Preferred - Ability to work in a complex, continuously evolving work environment.

Education:

Bachelors Preferred - Bachelor’s degree required in field of Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Counseling or Social Services related field.

Education Note:

1-3 years of experience in the field of child welfare will be considered.

Training And Experience:

Preferred Experience (6 months - 3 years) - 1-3 years experience providing court testimony.

Licenses, Certifications, Other:

Required - Must be 21 years of age or older. Required - Must be able to pass a background check and complete a pre-employment drug test with a negative result. Required - Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.

Physical Requirements:

Required - Must be able to drive long distances. Preferred - Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and secure baby carriers and or car seats in vehicles accurately. Preferred - Must be able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel or crouch in order to engage children and families during work

Work Environment:

Job duties are performed in an office environment, family homes, external offices and virtual meetings as necessary. Evening and/or weekend work may be necessary. Work may include a certain amount of exposure to unmanaged emotions from children/family. Extensive in state travel is required for the job and at times must transport children in the care and custody of the Chickasaw Nation.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends
• On call

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ada, OK: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• This position is a COVID sensitive position and requires the COVID-19 vaccine. Are you fully vaccinated or willing to become fully vaccinated before starting employment if selected?
• I understand that the Chickasaw Nation has a no tolerance policy of drugs and alcohol, and this includes the use of medicinal marijuana. As a sovereign Nation, State law does not apply to the Chickasaw Nation, and therefore the use of marijuana is illegal and is not acceptable for employees.

Work Location: In person

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